The following list of Frequently Asked Questions I hope will help you understand what my Penelope Red work involves:
Do you attend the markets every weekend?
No. I attend the Rocks markets approx 2 weekends a month. I update the bottom of each page on this site, each Tuesday, with the next time I will be attending The Rocks Markets.
I also update the Penelope Red facebook page and twitter page regularly with updates on the markets. Please "like" my page to be updated instantly.
Where else do you sell?
I currently have the following options for where you can buy my designs:
Where are your designs made?
I am proud to say all of my designs are made in Sydney, Australia.
Do you make everything yourself?
Until a few months ago, I would've said yes, but recently I have not been able to keep up with the demand and my imagination! I currently now have help from a semi-retired machinist, who has over 30 years experience. We met during my first job out of college, and she now helps me to create the knits.
I currently design, pattern-make, and cut every single Penelope Red garment. I still sew atleast 70% of all stock.
This is a very exciting time for me! Now instead of concentrating on sewing the stock, I can start to concentrate on making more exciting designs!
What is your sizing like?
Please take a look at the sizing and policies page here.
What are your plans for the future?
I have so many! I guess my main objective for now is to open a Penelope Red boutique in Sydney. Where, how and when will be answered in the next year or so.
Once this dream is fulfilled, I will be searching for the answers of my many other dreams!
How long does it take to make that design?
This question is impossible to answer properly! After taking three years to study and learn my skills, atleast 5 years of on the job experience, and countless hours of collecting my fabrics and trims, and spread this across each design, it all starts to add up- and this is before I start to design.
Next, add all the time it takes to pattern-make, try the pattern out in a toile, alter the pattern, and then make a size range of patterns. On average, for each style I have created, one week is spent just doing this.
Once the design is done, I then need to market it- organise a photo shoot, take photos, edit the website, go to the markets, update the shop online, and the list goes on.
You could start off by counting the hours it takes to actually cut and sew the design, but without all the rest, the design wouldn't be possible. Perhaps the right question is, how long does it take to sell a design? The answer... months!
